Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for another round of Leadership Beaufort.

Leadership Beaufort is a program created several years ago for community members to learn more about the different facets of the Washington-Beaufort County area.

Over the course of four months, participants will attend seven sessions, focusing on topics such as county and city governments, nonprofits, education and emergency response. Tuition for the program is $400, which covers lunches, some transportation and the May 18 graduation ceremony.

Catherine Glover, executive director of the Chamber, said this year’s schedule will be similar to years past, but organizers are planning for participants to attend a Power Luncheon and are working to incorporate a greater emphasis on leadership.

“We’ve looked at the schedule and tweaked it some,” Glover said. “For the most part, it would be, obviously, the availability of the speakers.”

She said the Chamber is looking to secure a total of 10 participants this year, and while there are some people already signed up, there are spots left to fill.

“The course is designed for those who represent various businesses and professional sectors of the community as well as individual potential community leaders. Those who want to learn more about the community while developing and refining leadership skills are encouraged to participate, whether they are new to Beaufort County or have lived here all their lives,” a press release states.

David Carraway, information technology director for the City of Washington, participated in the program last year, and said he views it as a way to build professional and personal connections.

Carraway described Leadership Beaufort as “a wonderful program for professionals in Washington and Beaufort County to learn of different business sectors while creating lifelong friends of those in the Leadership program.”

According to Glover, Leadership Beaufort is a time commitment, but organizers try to be mindful of participants’ daily responsibilities, including the need to take off work to attend the sessions.

The hope is for participants to reap the rewards of the time invested, becoming more informed about the Washington-Beaufort County area, thus being a leader within their community.

“We do it because we feel like there is a need for people who want to learn about the community, to educate them about all pieces of the community,” Glover said. “In order for us to have future leaders, you’ve got to have educated leaders.”

Applications for Leadership Beaufort must be submitted by Feb. 3, and should be submitted to the Chamber of Commerce. To download an application, visit wbcchamber.com/events/143. For more information, call 252-946-9168.